FDA Guidelines
U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) guidelines are frequently updated.
Click here to learn more about FDA guidelines for blood donation.
Age
- You must be at least 16 years old to donate.
- A parental consent form is required for any individuals 16 and 17 years of age and any students donating at a high school blood drive, regardless of age.
- The form must be signed before the drive and brought to school, or the parent must sign in the presence of collection staff while at school.
Weight
- You must weigh at least 110 lbs. to donate.
- Individuals age 23 and younger must meet the height/weight requirement that is listed on the Height and Weight Requirements form.
Photo ID
Bring a valid photo ID that contains your legal name when you donate.
Frequency
Donating whole blood is safe every 56 days (8 weeks). Donating platelets is safe every 10 days, up to 23 times per year. Many deferrals from donating blood are temporary and are in place to protect both the donor and the recipients.
If you need a special aid or service in order to participate in a blood drive, please contact Deb Jordan at 801-583-2787 ext. 2639 or deborah.jordan@aruplab.com as soon as possible, and we will try to accommodate your needs.
Please DO NOT donate blood if you:
- Have tested positive for COVID-19 in the last 10 days
- You also need to be symptom free for 10 days
- Have cold or flu symptoms or otherwise do not feel well the day of donation
- Have taken oral antibiotics in the past seven days (Antibiotics taken for acne are okay.)
- Have received a blood transfusion within the past 3 months
- Have had a tattoo in the past 3 months
- Have had malaria
- Have traveled to a malarial-risk area within the past 3 months
- Are pregnant or have been pregnant in the last 6 weeks
- Have been treated for syphilis or gonorrhea in the past 3 months
- Have used a needle to inject nonprescription drugs (including steroids) in the past 3 months
- Have had or have tested positive for HIV infection
- Are allergic to chlorhexidine
On the Day of Your Donation
- Please bring a complete list of any medications you are taking.
- You must be feeling well and healthy the day of donation.
- Eat a good meal and drink plenty of fluids prior to donating.
If you have any other questions regarding donating blood, call us at 801-584-5272 or email Deb Jordan at deborah.jordan@aruplab.com.